The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-08-30
AN ONLY BROTHER RETURNS.
After An Absence OF Twelve Years He
Gladdens the Hearts of Relatives.

| From the GAINESVILLE (Go) Democrat
We know that a generous public will in
dulge US in the privilege of relating an Incl
dent of peculiar pleasure to us, though in
reference to a kinsman. The romantic facts
connected Herewith may not prove entirely
devoid of public interest.
| Twelve years ago an only brother, an ac-
tive, jovial young man, about grown, left
for the West. He had resided with us near
this place, and then at the Rock, where the
genial, warm hearted boy had made many
devoted friends. For year he had been in
Heard county, whence he departed for the
West
Under some strange infatuation he neg
lected to write to relatives. After this neg
lect for years, it was difficult for him to
decide to communicate We had long since
decided upon the probability of his death.
The warm-hearted and only brother the
bright-eyed, happy child, whose cheerful
face had ever shed rays of sunshine around
the paternal hearthstone, he who was al
ways the idol of that home, where fondest
recollections still linger, was believed to be
dead in all probability. In sadness, his
name was rarely ever mentioned Some
two weeks ago it was mentioned, however,
at twilight, when nature herself typifies the
peacefulnesS of home. Then, perhaps while
the absent one debated his return, we spoke
of his long, long absence. AS usual, the
probability that we would never hear of
him again was agreed on-not without
hope. A friend, to him unknown, kindly
suggested that he would turn up some
day.
Last week stranger called at our office
With gentlemanly demeanor he neglected
to introduce himself, but waited for recog-
milton. The test was unfair. The dust of
travel, the enforced rigidness of a face of
more than ordinary cheerfulness, the entire
absence of any reason to think of him, con-
cealed the identity of a brother Finally,
upon disclosing his name, his every feature
was readily recognized, though the climate
of Arkansas had changed his complexion,
and time had developed the boy into man
1t would be a fruitless task to describe the
joy of an only brothers return after SO long
time and under these circumstances Our
pleasure is not limited by these facts. The
bright and happy child, the genial and popu-
lar young man, is now an earnest and de-
vout man. Following the bent of his ma
ture, the purer impulses of heart touched
with love for his fellows, his life is devoted
to the ministry. For three years he has
been member of the conference of the
Methodist Episcopal church. and in active
ministerial service We are satisfied that
his nature will find more contentnent and
accomplish more good in this than in any
other life work, and sincerely trust that he
may ever be faithful
For nine years he has been married. To
know that in distant land, away from
friends and kindred, he has found a good
and true woman, whose love has only been
a perpetual blessing to him, that he has
found there friends indeed, mothers and
fathers, who have nursed him in sickness,
loved and befriended him-these facts will
ever warm our heart toward Arkansas. The
gratitude we owe TO his friends and loved
ones there is unbounded. May the angels of
peace ever dispense the brightest blessings
of this life in the homes of those who have
so kindly received a stranger, a devoted and
a true brother.